For Jeff Cardinali, fighting fires is 'a heart-felt passion'

WAMPSVILLE -- Thirty-six years of service and dedication are what brought a Wampsville firefighter to be recognized by the Canastota Area Churches' annual volunteer appreciation dinner.

? Jeff Cardinali, 55, has been fighting fires and volunteering in Wampsville for 16 years. Between 1986 and 2006 when Cardinali wasn't volunteering in Wampsville he was helping people as a career firefighter in the City of Oneida.

? "Firefighting has always been an interest of mine," Cardinali said. "It's a heart-felt passion."

? Cardinali retired as Deputy Fire Chief of the Oneida department in 2005 and came back to the Wampsville station where he grew up after joining as a seventeen-year-old.

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? Cardinali said the department, like many others in the area, is in need of volunteers and sees too few younger applicants. Though the department needs helping hands, Cardinali said that anyone considering joining a volunteer or career program should ask one simple question: Why join?

? "Hopefully they want to join to become an asset to their community," Cardinali said. "I get the most enjoyment out of this job when I see the younger members doing a good job."

? Cardinali said many factors led to his choice to become both a career and volunteer firefighter, though the biggest motivator is often a simple 'thank-you' after a call is completed.

? "It's been very rewarding," said Cardinali. "I've been a firefighter since I was 17. When I retire, I want to make sure the young guys I leave behind know everything that I know."